Desperate Housewife – Island Style

Arrived on the Fourth of July~

It was July 4, 2009 when we stepped off the plane onto Grand Cayman to start our new journey. Hubby had signed a contract to work for a company for seven years. I’d left behind my two married daughters and an active lifestyle in Orange County, California.

So here I was on a holiday not celebrated in Cayman. I had asked hubby if he thought there’d be fireworks and he said, “Only if we make our own.” He’s a funny guy, that man.

When we arrived at the hotel, our desk clerk was a young man from Pittsburgh. I wished him a happy Fourth of July and he sported a devilish grin, revealing he had some fireworks and was planning to set them off later in the vacant lot next door.

That night after unpacking we sat outside our hotel room watching a modest display of fireworks. I kept telling myself everything was going to be okay.

It’s Never a Three Hour Tour~

Living with a man who had me flitting across the country for the past twenty years had me accustomed to the mobile lifestyle. It was all due to job transfers. Myself being a teacher had me pinned as ‘The new kid on the block’ several times over. Seems we’d plan on staying in a new location for a certain number of years only to have the universe prove us wrong by ending up with a shorter or longer stay than expected.

We just passed our seventh year anniversary here on Grand Cayman and we should have boarded that plane this past July 4th, however, looks like our adventure is going to be longer than expected. Should this surprise me?

Mix it Up~

I’ve always been one of those people who got bored easily. I’d often redecorate the house once a year or change houses.

Coming to the island meant renting and all rentals here come fully furnished, so I’d have to settle on the decor chosen by the landlord. It came as no surprise I’d be bored after our yearly lease was up. I searched and found a condo on the water. It was like living on a postcard. We stayed until our lease was up. Since we bought a boat we opted for a condo with a dock on the canal. It was fun to walk out the door and hop on the boat. Needless to say, we switched condos the next year. It was another unit with a dock and the decor was much more modern and updated.

I looked forward to choosing a new place to live each year. Yes, this poor man just expected this to be the norm and smile as I handed him the keys to the new place.

As current we are now living in a condo on Seven Mile Beach. Yes, we’ve moved seven times in the seven years we’ve been here. Anyone want to take bets we’ll move again?

Hit the Reef They Say~

In Cayman everyone knows the real beauty lies in the sea. Everyone told us to hit the reef by dive or snorkel. Well, we did – literally. Soon after we bought our boat we went out exploring in the south sound. We were excited to take the boat out but didn’t know where all of the channels were. Big mistake! Our daughter was visiting and we headed out ready for a sea adventure. We had the music blasting and my daughter and I were dancing when we heard a CRASH! Yes, we hit the reef! Luckily no one was injured. We lost one engine and were able to make it back to dock safely.

After major repair work and learning exactly where the channels are we can now successfully navigate through the channels with ease. This is a much more enjoyable way to see the reef.

Get Me Outta Here!

We’ve all heard about ‘Island Fever’ but I had never experienced it until moving to Cayman. I’d never lived on an island before. It was two years in and I was feeling it big time. I made several trips to the states to see family and shop, which seemed to alleviate that feeling, however after seven years it’s like, I’m way ready for this vacation to end. Being a writer can be lonely at times. Many of my friends have left as serving out their work permit limit. I became a ‘Desperate Housewife’ so to speak. I played tourist, volunteered at the schools and spent too much time on Social Media. I even asked a friend to plan a kidnapping. Yes, you already have come to the conclusion that I am a bit crazy here. My friend did toy with the idea then declined after thoughts of spending some time in prison was not going to work out so well.

As I write this post I am headed back to the island after a two-week stay in the states. I have to say I am ready for some peace and quiet that this island can offer. The rest of the summer will be devoted to working on another book, beaching, boating and sunset walks. Come next march I’m sure I’ll be busy searching for that new rental. It will be time to move again.

Thank you Tima! We are in our eighth rental now and will move again in six months to another as my hubby finishes out his work permit.Than it’s off to Florida to finally live in our retirement home. Wanna bet we will sell that house and move again?
I need to just buy a gypsy wagon. LOL

Like you I love to move around, but sadly, once returement hits, you’re more anchored. Couldn’t see anywhere to like or to follow your posts? Ah saw the email one I ticked that. Dont want to miss these.